Many of you have donated generously in the past to this wonderful program. I work with Pastor Dee Moore on the project and she recently contacted me saying that even though infant loss has been reduced (yay!!), they are running very low on shawls.
In case you have not heard about Wrapped in Care, here is some information from the brochure (see links to the right for flyers if you would like to share them with a knitting group or prayer shawl knitting circle):
What is this program about?
The Birth Center of United Hospital and the Newborn Intensive Care Units of Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota have initiated a shawl project as part of their bereavement support program for women who suffer the death of an infant.
This program will allow mothers to be wrapped in the warmth of shawls during a very traumatic and painful time. In addition, if the mother is not discharged yet, they can also provide a far more beautiful background than a hospital gown for pictures that will be treasured for a lifetime. [They really do use the shawls as a backdrop for the final pictures they have of their baby.]
What can I do?
Share a very special and generous gift by knitting a shawl for the program. Hand-knit items are a treasure.
If you do not have time to knit a shawl, financial contributions are also welcome. (See contact information below). Sorry, but we are unable to accept yarn donations.
What kind of shawl is needed?
The shawls can be of different sizes, shapes and colors. Prayer shawl patterns work well. Please follow these criteria when selecting yarns:
– Soft yarn, easy – care fibers preferred (please include care instructions if possible)
– Yarns that are one color in soft hues without a pattern or variegation work best for photographs
Where do I send my finished shawl?
Mail your shawl or monetary contribution to:
Checks should be made payable to “Perinatal Loss Cart Fund”
Rev. Dee Moore, C/O Wrapped in Care
Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota
GardenView Building,Suite503
345 North Smith Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
If you can dedicate some of your very precious knitting time to this program, it will mean a great deal to someone who will cherish it!
Reply to Heidi:
There is a link to some patterns on the right hand side of the blog which I added below — but they are pretty boring! Any prayer shawl type pattern will do. I did a Ravelry search of free shawl patterns using worsted yarn and ended up choosing Tethys. I am not sure your skill level or the type of knitting that you enjoy, but there are tons of patterns that will work.
Rule of thumb: easy care, not variegated yarn. I am using Caron Simply Soft and will “steam block” it to block it permanently.
Do you have any links or photos of shawls that you’ve made for this project in the past? I would love to contribute, but I’m a little stumped as to fiber and pattern. I’m trying to find something in the stash that will be suitable and fun to knit, at the same time.
Comment by Heidi H — August 11, 2013 @ 4:32 pm
Most prayer shawls are pretty solid, and fairly plain. Is this preferred, or is it OK to have something with more patterning, perhaps lace type textures?
Comment by Amy — August 12, 2013 @ 7:25 pm
What a great program. My grandson died at birth earlier this year, and I just finished knitting a shawl for my daughter-in-law. Unfortunately we didn’t have it for the pictures, but this way she got to pick out the style and the color and she knows its all made in loving memory of our beautiful grandson.
Comment by Marie — August 13, 2013 @ 12:52 am
Hi Susan,
Thank you very much. I will be sending a shawl to the Wrapped in Care program.
Best regards,
Susan
Comment by Susan — October 6, 2013 @ 1:21 pm